The Snow Child Audiobook By Eowyn Ivey cover art

The Snow Child

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The Snow Child

By: Eowyn Ivey
Narrated by: Debra Monk
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A bewitching tale of heartbreak and hope set in 1920s Alaska. Jack and Mabel have staked everything on making a fresh start for themselves in a homestead 'at the world's edge' in the raw Alaska wilderness. But as the days grow shorter, Jack is losing his battle to clear the land, and Mabel can no longer contain her grief for the baby she lost many years before. The evening the first snow falls, their mood unaccountably changes. In a moment of tenderness, the pair is surprised to find they building a snowman - or rather a snow girl - together.

The next morning, all trace of her has disappeared, and Jack can't quite shake the notion that he glimpsed a small figure - a child? - running through the spruce trees in the dawn light. And how to explain the little but very human tracks Mabel finds at the edge of their property? Written with the clarity and vividness of the Russian fairy-tale from which it takes its inspiration, THE SNOW CHILD is an instant classic - the story of a couple who take a child into their hearts, all the while knowing they can never truly call her their own.

©2012 Eowyn Ivey (P)2012 Headline Digital Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt Alaska

Critic reviews

"This book is real magic, shot through from cover to cover with the cold, wild beauty of the Alaskan frontier. Eowyn Ivey writes with all the captivating delicacy of the snowfalls she so beautifully describes." (Ali Shaw, author of THE GIRL WITH GLASS FEET)
"If Willa Cather and Gabriel Garcia Marquez had collaborated on a book, THE SNOW CHILD would be it." (Robert Goolrick, author of A RELIABLE WIFE)
"Eowyn Ivey's prose brings the chilly northern wilderness to life." ( Bookseller)
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"The Snow Child" is a beautifully written, slow-burn novel that masterfully explores themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness amidst tremendous hardship. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, the vivid and evocative descriptions immerse you in a world that feels both harsh and magical.

The characters are deeply engaging, and I found myself truly invested in their journeys. However, it's worth noting that the hardships they face are somewhat romanticized, which may not resonate with everyone. The narrative's pacing did drag a bit in the middle, making the story feel longer than necessary, and the ending didn't quite deliver the impact I was hoping for.

The narration was exquisite, and listening to it at 1.5x speed helped maintain my interest; any slower, and the story's pace might have become frustrating. Potential readers should be aware of trigger warnings for stillbirth and infertility, as these themes are sensitively but poignantly addressed in the novel.

Overall, "The Snow Child" is a hauntingly beautiful tale that, despite some pacing issues and a less impactful conclusion, remains a poignant exploration of resilience and the human spirit.

Haunting Beauty and Heartfelt Hardships

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If you could sum up The Snow Child in three words, what would they be?

Ethereal, haunting, memorable

Who was your favorite character and why?

The snow child herself because she was such a mystery.

What does Debra Monk bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She brought a true voice to the characters.

If you could take any character from The Snow Child out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Esther, because she is a hoot!

Any additional comments?

This was my first audibook and it was truly special. I was very lucky to choose this one as my first.

Ethereal

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Where does The Snow Child rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

While a simple read this book has wonderful depths and leaves you thinking long after you finish it. Unforgetable.

What did you like best about this story?

The dance between reality and fantasy, it was masterfully written.

Which character – as performed by Debra Monk – was your favorite?

Mabel, a woman with inner beauty and torment much like the landscape she is trying to adapt to.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

A journey of discovery and love.

Any additional comments?

Quite a slow book and at times seem longer than it needs to be but you will find yourself immersed in the story. Well worth listening and one of those rare stories that will stay with you forever. The raw setting is beautifully and poetically presented to the reader and you find yourself rising and falling with the tempo of emotions from dark and depressed to hopeful and elated. Some things are never revealed but you find yourself accepting that.

Masterful

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A well written and delightful story. Beautiful prose relating a lovely fairy tale narrative. Thoroughly enjoyable.

excellent narration

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